DD Council chair dies at 53

Governor’s Developmental Disabilities Council Chair Pedro Taisacan Nakatsukasa died of cardiac arrest Monday while undergoing dialysis at the Commonwealth Health Center. He was 53.

Mr. Nakatsukasa was rushed to CHC early Sunday morning by his long-time companion after his blood pressure and pulse rate dropped drastically.

The following day, Monday afternoon, Mr. Nakatsukasa even underwent the routine hemodialysis at the Intensive Care Unit after his condition improved.

The former House representative barely finished his dialysis treatment when he suffered cardiac arrest. Doctors immediately performed CPR to revive Mr. Nakatsukasa but at 5:12 p.m., he was pronounced dead, according to Dr. Celia Lamkin, Assistive Technology Project Coordinator.

Dr. Lamkin, a close friend of the deceased, said Mr. Nakatsukasa even attended the Assistive Training seminar over the weekend in Tinian. “He shared to the participants his life and his experiences. He added that even though one is blind, one can still make a big difference.”

Ms. Lamkin said Mr. Nakatsukasa went out of his way to tell his life story when usually, he would only express support for the project of the agency in his speeches. “Somehow, I sensed something was different that Saturday,” said Dr. Lamkin.

Former Representative Frank Cepeda talked to his close friend Mr. Nakatsukasa shortly before his death.

“At about 2:30 in the afternoon, I dropped by the hospital to see him. I even tried to make him laugh with some jokes. And he laughed. When he grew tired, I left him to rest,” said Mr. Cepeda.

Having known each other since the grade school years right after World War II, Mr. Cepeda and Mr. Nakatsukasa became very close friends.
The two lost contact for 35 years when Mr. Cepeda went off-island. “But the friendship was renewed when I came home,” he said.

Both also have acquired disabilities, something which, according to Mr. Cepeda, makes them more alike in many ways. Mr. Nakatsukasa’s blindness developed as a result of complications from diabetes. He has been visually impaired for three years before his death.

“I regret to see him go this early. Even though he was blind, he continued to help the community especially those with disabilities. He was very active in this campaign,” he added.

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Director Tee Abraham also expressed sadness over Mr. Nakatsukasa’s untimely death.

“Pete always fought for community involvement for persons with disabilities. He was the first local person with disability who was able to help the DD Council,” said Ms. Abraham.

One of Mr. Nakatsukasa’s life-long goal was to educate indigenous people of the CNMI on the consequences of diabetes and its prevention, according to the OVR director.

“He once said that locals should be aware that diabetes can be controlled through eating balanced diets,” she said.

The OVR and all of Mr. Nakatsukasa’s followers have pledged to continue with the missions he has started, Ms. Abraham added.

“We will continuously advocate the legacy he has left behind,” said Ms. Abraham.

Chair for the DD Council for two years, Mr. Nakatsukasa also served under the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Commonwealth Legislature as a House representative.

He also did a short stint as radio announcer in 1965.

A teacher at Hopwood Jr. High in 1979, Mr. Nakatsukasa also chaired the Headsart Policy Council from 1979 to 1981.

He also worked as assistant legislative liaison officer from 1971 to 1977 and as assistant prosecutor in 1976.

His long history of proven leadership also include being a former member of State Education Advisory Council, chair of the San Antonio Parish Church, chair of the ABC Board, member of the Parole Board, and member of the Commonwealth Ports Authority board of directors. (MM)